[01/18/01] Vicksburg roofing contractor David A. Gamble was found shot to death in the yard of his Warren County hunting camp house Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.

Gamble, who was 36, was found about 4:45 p.m. by a caretaker at the Oak Ridge Hunting Club, 11313 Mississippi 465, where he was a member, Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace said.

Gamble, owner of River City Roofing, had told his office at about 2 p.m. that he was going to the camp. Wednesday was the last day to hunt deer using guns.

Warren County Coroner John Thomason said the cause of death was a single gunshot wound that entered at his chin. He said the manner of death is still open pending the results of an autopsy scheduled in Jackson this afternoon. There were no witnesses.

John Elfer, deputy sheriff assigned to the nearby Eagle Lake area, arrived on the scene within minutes and found the body in front of one of the cabins at the hunting club.

Gamble, who had founded the business about 10 years ago, was described as an aggressive person and a go-getter by Larry Montpelier, the company vice president.

“He was a good man to work for,” he said.

Montpelier also described Gamble as a loyal person and a good businessman.

“He was the best friend I had,” said Greg Hull, who described him and Gamble as best friends. “We grew up together, we hunted together, we did everything together. You wouldn’t find a better man, he would do anything for you.”

The Rev. Thomas McGing, pastor of St. Paul Catholic Church, was Gamble’s pastor and knew him as a member of the church.

“He was a good family man who cared for his wife and children in an exemplary way. He was a hard-working man who took his responsibilities seriously,” McGing said. “I ask the community to keep his family in their prayers and support.”

Gamble was preceded in death by his parents, A.A. and Dorothy Bodron Gamble.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Rogillio Gamble; three daughters, Alexandra Ellen, Sarah Dayton and Claire Victoria, all of Vicksburg; four sisters, Gayle Warren of Jackson and Karen Gamble, Alexis Frisbee and Sharon Andrews, all of Vicksburg; and other relatives, including an aunt, Anna Claire Gamble of Vicksburg.

Services will be under the direction of Fisher-Riles Funeral Home.